By Lindsey Powell, for the SNAP

An Albemarle resident is included in a book by a New York Times bestselling author.

Paul Peters

Paul Peters, the founder of the Nehemiah Project, is included in “Success Redefined,” a collaborative effort with Jack Canfield and several other contributors.

Each author provided their own definition of success, offering different perspectives on the matter.

When Canfield’s publishing company, Celebrity Press, initially reached out to Peters’ with the opportunity, he jumped at the chance. Canfield has been a mentor and role model in Peters’ life.

For his portion of the book, Peters focused on what he called “the four elements of success.”

“You have to understand what your vision is. You then have to know what your purpose is, what you’re created to do. You have to do it with passion, and you have to know why you’re doing it, which is love,” he said. “Success is following your passion. Your vocation — whatever you decide to do in life — is going to be fulfilling no matter how much you make because you’re doing what you love.”

Peters has found success and fulfillment in his work as an author and in how he has given back to the community.

“It’s my way to leave my message — as I believe God’s given me — to the world when I’m gone,” Peters said.

At the Nehemiah Project, a non-profit organization that serves at-risk children, people with substance use problems, veterans and others, Peters aims to bring the community together and rebuild areas of brokenness.

“One of my callings is to help people understand their callings in life, why they were created, because I think it’s a direct link to finding joy, finding who you are and what you’re supposed to do in this world,” he said.

Peters’ books communicate this same message of finding purpose and serving others. His debut, “Discovering and Embracing Your Life Purpose,” published in 2021, became the foundation for this message.

“The Ways of Wisdom,” published the following year, continued this theme of living a purposeful and fulfilled life, specifically based on the book of Proverbs.

His next book, “The Inheritance,” will continue this message, building upon the principles of his first book to tell the fictional story of a man who lived a full, rich life and the legacy he desires to leave to his grandchildren as they begin to discover their own purpose and legacy.

Peters’ goal with every book is to leave his readers inspired and filled with hope.

“When you have hope, and you have purpose, and you have inspiration, that gives you the courage to move forward in your fear and recognize that your fear was just imagination,” he said. “Next thing you know, you have a published book, and it’s a bestseller.”

Lindsey Powell is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.